Elephantnose

Photos © Sean Evans
Common name:	Elephantnose, Peter's elephantnose
Scientific name:	Gnathonemus petersii
Synonyms:	(none)
Size:	8" (20cm)
Origin:	Africa: Cameroon, Nigeria, Congo (formerly Zaire)
Tank setup:	Larger tank (3ft/90cm minimum) with plenty of hiding places, sandy substrate.
Compatibility:	Can be territorial with their own kind. Generally compatible in the larger community tank.
Temperature:	22-28oC (72-82oF)
Water chemistry:	Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0) ideally.
Feeding:	An omnivore which prefers live foods, but will take frozen foods, and possibly flake.
Sexing:	Unknown
Breeding:	Unknown
Comments:	G. petersii is the most commonly available of several species of elephantnose. The 'trunk' is used for hunting small food organisms, a soft substrate is necessary to prevent injury to the snout. These fish have a weak electric organ which they use for navigation. You must take great care if you ever need to treat these fish, or a tank containing them, with a medication. They are sensitive to several of the common treatments - read the product insert carefully.